Drug and Chemical Toxicology最新文献

Neuropathic pain is the crucial dose-limiting side effect of paclitaxel in chemotherapy patients that negatively impacts the quality of life and survival. Currently, no effective treatment option is available. Aprepitant, a well-established chemotherapy antiemetic performing neurokinin-1 receptor antagonism, shows analgesic effects in some pain models. We studied aprepitant analgesic effects on the paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain model in rats besides inflammatory markers assessment. Rats intraperitoneally received paclitaxel, reaching the cumulative paclitaxel dose of 8 mg/kg. Aprepitant was orally administered every alternate day between days 2 and 14, with a prescribed dosage of 10 or 20 mg/kg. The evaluation of mechanical allodynia and cold hyperalgesia involved the measurement of paw withdrawal threshold and acetone test score on days 0, 7, and 14. On day 14, paw licking latency was measured using a hot plate test before scarification and tissue collection for interleukin 1β, tumor necrosis factor α, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) evaluation. Paclitaxel induced neuropathy as indicated by a lowered hind paw withdrawal threshold in the Von Frey test, a higher score in the acetone test, and shortened hot plate latency. Aprepitant effectively alleviated cold and thermal hyperalgesia as well as mechanical allodynia. Moreover, aprepitant administration significantly reversed paclitaxel-mediated elevation of proinflammatory cytokines levels in dorsal root ganglia. In addition, aprepitant application suppressed the protein expression of NF-kB in the dorsal root ganglia of paclitaxel-treated rats, as revealed by western blot analysis. Aprepitant treatment ameliorates neuropathy induced by paclitaxel, which is associated with decreasing proinflammatory cytokines and NF-kB expression.

This study investigates the drug-like properties of target molecules containing thiophene sulfonamide groups (7a-7s) using computational molecular docking techniques. The binding interactions of these derivatives were assessed using protein 2NSD (Enoyl acyl carrier protein reductase InhA, complexed with N-(4-methylbenzoyl)-4-benzylpiperidine, PDB DOI: 10.2210/pdb2NSD/pdb) as the receptor. Molecular docking results revealed notable docking scores for all compounds, ranging from -6 to -12 kcal/mol. Compounds 7e, 7i, and 7f, in particular, demonstrated impressive glide scores (>11 kcal/mol) and were selected for further analysis through molecular dynamics simulations, which provided deeper insights into their dynamic behavior and stability. The drug-like properties of these molecules were evaluated based on Lipinski's Rule of Five and ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion) criteria and compared with known drugs. Additionally, we synthesized these target molecules (7a-7s) using Suzuki-Miyaura coupling with a nickel catalyst replacing palladium. The chemical structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed through elemental analysis, LC-MS,¹H-NMR, and ¹³C-NMR spectroscopy.

Maternal exposure to zearalenone (ZEA), a mycotoxin, can impact fetal liver development. This study investigated the protective effects of carvacrol (CRV) against ZEA-induced fetal liver damage. Thirty-two pregnant rats were allocated to four groups (eight rats/group); control, CRV (75 mg/kg), ZEA (5 mg/kg), and co-treated group (ZEA + CRV). The animals were given their doses during the gestation period. Maternal exposure to ZEA revealed a significant increase in the malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the fetal liver. In contrast, glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities, besides glutathione (GSH) levels, were decreased in ZEA-intoxicated rats. Additionally, ZEA increased the expression of pro-apoptotic genes (P53, Bax, and caspase-9), elevated the immunoreactivity of caspase-3, decreased anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, and induced severe fatty degeneration, congestion, and necrosis in the fetal liver. The comet assays revealed significant DNA damage, as evidenced by reduced head DNA content and increased tail DNA content and tail moment in the ZEA-exposed rats. Surprisingly, co-treatment with CRV significantly mitigated fetal hepatic lipid peroxidation, antioxidant disturbance, apoptosis, and DNA damage after maternal exposure to ZEA. These findings highlight the potential of CRV as a promising approach to mitigate ZEA-associated developmental hepatotoxicity.

Hydroxyurea (HU) exerts unique and diverse biological effects as an anti-leukemic agent, irradiation sensitizer, and HbS inducer in patients with sickle cell anemia. Herein, we assessed the potential toxicogenic and/or oxidant effects of hydroxyurea associated with ascorbic acid by in vivo examinations in Allium cepa and human cancer cells and systemically on mice tissues. Growing A. cepa roots and HCT-116 colorectal tumor cells were examined after HU and HU plus ascorbic acid exposure. DNA damage and antioxidant enzymatic activity were quantified in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), bone marrow leukocytes and livers of mice after 7 day-HU treatment (7.5, 15 and 30 mg/kg/day) and Vitamin C 2 μM. Hydroxyurea presented toxic effects on meristematic Allium cepa cells, causing chromosomal abnormalities and reduction of mitotic index, killed HCT-116 colorectal carcinoma cells and induced DNA injuries upon mice cells (hepatocytes, bone marrow leukocytes and PBMC). Simultaneously, hydroxyurea decreased levels of CAT and GSH activities and expand lipid peroxidation. All these biochemical and physiological changes were ameliorated when associated with ascorbic acid, indicating it restored antioxidant enzymes, decreased MDA levels, removed peroxides and, consequently, presented cytoprotection against HU-provoked cellular damage in normal cells. On the other hand, antioxidants compounds may interfere on effectiveness of HU during anticancer chemotherapies.

This study aimed to evaluate the protective potential of taurine (Tau) and enzymatically modified isoquercitrin (EMIQ), both individually and in combination, against MTX-induced cardiotoxicity in male rats. A total of 36 rats were randomly divided into six groups (six animals each): control (vehicle), MTX alone (20 mg/kg, single dose), EMIQ+MTX (EMIQ at 26 mg/kg, p.o. for 16 days, with a single dose of MTX on the 13th day), Tau + MTX (Tau at 500 mg/kg, p.o. for 16 days, with a single dose of MTX on the 13th day), (EMIQ+Tau)+MTX, and (EMIQ+Tau)½+MTX. MTX treatment resulted in elevated levels of cardiac creatine phosphokinase-myocardial band, troponin I, nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, and serum IL-6, while decreasing levels of cardiac myeloperoxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase. MTX also reduced expression of BMI-1, induced DNA laddering and fragmentation, and increased cleaved caspase-3 protein expression in cardiac tissue. Both Tau and EMIQ showed equivalent effectiveness in protecting the heart against MTX-induced damage due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties. Notably, combined treatment with half-doses of Tau and EMIQ offered superior protection compared to full doses of each agent alone. The full-dose combination showed similar efficacy to the half-dose combination, with a few exceptions. Overall, these results suggest a synergistic effect of Tau and EMIQ in mitigating MTX-induced cardiotoxicity, warranting further investigation into the underlying mechanisms.

This study assessed the antioxidative and protective effects of peptide extracts from selected Euphorbia species on Aluminum Chloride (AlCl₃)-induced toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster. Euphorbia humifusa (EHU), Euphorbia hirta (EHI), and Euphorbia graminae (EHG) were screened for bioactive peptides. The crude peptide extract and partially purified peptide fractions of all the plants were subjected to preliminary antioxidants activities through 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhyhdrazyl (DPPH), and nitric oxide (NO) scavenging activities. The most active peptide fraction was subjected to biochemical studies using Drosophila melanogaster. Flies were treated with AlCl₃ (100 mg/kg diet), peptide fraction (5 and 10 mg/kg diet), and cotreatment of AlCl₃ and the fraction, respectively. After treatment, flies were homogenized for the determination of total thiol and Glutathione (non-protein thiol) content, catalase and Glutathione-S-transferase activities, and nitric oxide (nitrite/nitrate) and hydroperoxide levels. The antioxidant screening revealed that the peptide fraction from Euphorbia humifusa (PEHU) was the most significant compared to the control (ascorbic acid). The PEHU (5 and 10 mg/kg diet) maintained the redox status of the flies in the biochemical study. The PEHU significantly counteracted AlCl₃-induced reduction in antioxidants (catalase, GST, GSH and Total thiol), increased nitric oxide levels, and acetylcholinesterase activity and prevented behavioral deficits flies. Hence, the peptide fraction of Euphorbia humifusa may shield against the life-threatening effects of free radicals associated with aluminum chloride toxicity.

There has been keen interest on herbs and phytoconstituents with hepatoprotective property to help restore healthy liver function. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian traditional system of medicine mentions about Curcuma longa, Garcinia indica and Piper nigrum which are reported to have hepatoprotective activity. Apart from supporting metabolism, liver plays pivotal role in numerous bodily processes, immune functions to digestion, detoxification, and storage of nutrients. Factors such as sedentary lifestyle, viral infections, drugs/chemicals, high calorie diet, excess intake of alcohol etc have adverse impact on normal functioning of liver. Development of novel herbal combination with standards of safety and efficacy can help manage liver ailments and protect liver health. LivLonga^® is a polyherbal combination of scientifically validated ingredients- curcuminoids, garcinol and piperine to support healthy liver function. The present work was conducted to evaluate toxicity of LivLonga^® using in vivo models when administered orally. The acute, subacute, and subchronic toxicity studies were carried out in accordance with the test guidelines established by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. A single-dose acute oral toxicity produced no toxic effects after 14 days of treatment. Four-week (subacute) and 3-months (subchronic) oral toxicity studies were conducted and observed no abnormal clinical signs, no alterations in the body weight, hematology and biochemical parameters or gross and histopathological changes. Thus, oral administration of LivLonga^® showed no signs of toxicity when dosed orally to rats, with a no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of 600 mg/kg/day.

The present study aimed to examine the protective effect of quercetin (QUE) on cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced nephrotoxicity. For that purpose, 24 mice were divided into four groups (Control, QUE, CTX, and CTX + QUE). The CTX and CTX + QUE groups received 200 mg/kg of cyclophosphamide on the 1^st and 7^th days. The QUE and CTX + QUE groups were treated with 50 mg/kg of quercetin daily for 14 days. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed, and kidney samples were analyzed. The results indicated that CTX leads to severe morphological degenerations and disruption in renal function. Serum BUN, Creatinine, Uric acid, tissue Bax, Caspase 3, TNF-α and IL-1β expression levels were upregulated in the CTX group compared to Control and QUE groups (p < 0.05). Although MAPK/ERK phosphorylation level is not affected in CTX group, there was a significant increase in CTX + QUE group (p < 0.05), but the NF-κB was significantly suppressed in this group (p < 0.01). The RT-qPCR results showed that the cyt-c and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio mRNA expression folds were upregulated in the CTX group (p < 0.01), which was downregulated in the CTX + QUE group. However, there was a significant difference in the CTX + QUE group compared to the Control and QUE groups (p < 0.01). The findings showed that administering quercetin along with cyclophosphamide alleviated renal injury by regulating apoptotic and inflammatory expression. Moreover, the administration of quercetin and cyclophosphamide could synergistically improve renal function test results, and activate cellular responses, which upmodulate MAPK/ERK phosphorylation and suppression of NF-κB.

We investigate role of ATP sensitive potassium (K_ATP) channel in cytotoxic effect of cypermethrin on rat aortic smooth muscle cells. Cytotoxicity analysis was performed at 0, 0.1, 0.5, 10, 50, and 100 µM concentrations of cypermethrin and the cell index (CI) was calculated. K_ATP currents were recorded using patch clamp technique for 50 and 100 µM concentrations and channel conductivity was determined by obtaining current-voltage characteristics. No cytotoxic effect was observed in the first 72 hours. At the 96th hour, only at 100 µM concentration, the CI value decreased significantly compared to control group and at 120 and 144th hours, it was observed that the CI value decreased significantly at all concentrations. Currents and conductivities were significantly decreased at 50 and 100 µM concentrations. Results gave clues that cypermethrin causes a cytotoxic effect on vascular smooth muscles and that K_ATP channels may have a role in the emergence of this effect.

The compounds 2-chloro-N-(3-methoxyphenyl)acetamide (m-acetamide) and 2-(3-methoxyphenylamino)-2-oxoethyl methacrylate (3MPAEMA) were synthesized in this study for the first time in the literature. FTIR, ¹H, and ¹³C NMR spectroscopic techniques were used to characterize it. Subsequently, computational techniques were used to assess various ADME factors, such as drug-likeness properties, bioavailability score, and adherence to Lipinski's rule. Finally, molecular docking experiments were conducted with the human topoisomerase α2 (TOP2A) protein to verify and validate the reliability and stability of the docking procedure. The results of the docking scores, which quantify binding affinity, indicated that these derivatives exhibited a stronger affinity for TOP2A.